Conan O’Brien Exits with Style and Grace

Posted on January 23, 2010 by Michael Farver

Conan’s final words: “Before we end this rodeo, a few things need to be said. There has been a lot of speculation in the press about what I legally can and can’t say about NBC. To set the record straight, tonight I am allowed to say anything I want. And what I want to say is this: between my time at Saturday Night Live, The Late Night Show, and my brief run here on The Tonight Show, I have worked with NBC for over twenty years. Yes, we have our differences right now and yes, we’re going to go our separate ways. But this company has been my home for most of my adult life. I am enormously proud of the work we have done together, and I want to thank NBC for making it all possible.

Walking away from The Tonight Show is the hardest thing I have ever had to do. Making this choice has been enormously difficult. This is the best job in the world, I absolutely love doing it, and I have the best staff and crew in the history of the medium. But despite this sense of loss, I really feel this should be a happy moment. Every comedian dreams of hosting The Tonight Show and, for seven months, I got to. I did it my way, with people I love, and I do not regret a second. I’ve had more good fortune than anyone I know and if our next gig is doing a show in a 7-11 parking lot, we’ll find a way to make it fun.

And finally, I have to say something to our fans. The massive outpouring of support and passion from so many people has been overwhelming. The rallies, the signs, all the goofy, outrageous creativity on the internet, and the fact that people have traveled long distances and camped out all night in the pouring rain to be in our audience, made a sad situation joyous and inspirational.

To all the people watching, I can never thank you enough for your kindness to me and I’ll think about it for the rest of my life. All I ask of you is one thing: please don’t be cynical. I hate cynicism — it’s my least favorite quality and it doesn’t lead anywhere.

Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you’re kind, amazing things will happen.” The Huffington Post has the whole enchilada, complete with video, here.“

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About Michael Farver

Ex-print media publisher & art/design guru, foodarazzo and semi-pro chef, passionate social activist, writer, photographer and artist. I serve as a national, state and local spokesperson and advocate for childhood hunger solutions as President & CEO of the South Florida Hunger Coalition, where we work to eradicate hunger by acting as a resource and convener for hunger-related initiatives, develop and support visionary community outreach like the Summer Food, Fun & Friends feeding and enrichment program for at-risk kids, Mobile Food Pantries distributing fresh fruits and vegetables to marginalized communities, and championing the expansion and outreach of “Food is Medicine” programs to serve the needs of the chronically ill. I direct a grassroots child hunger nonprofit in South Florida as well as a private consulting business that provides leadership development, social media, brand, marketing and other services. A former handler of championship Dobermans and licensed firearms expert, I have traveled the country for two decades following the Black Crowes (in all their multiple lineups). I’m a Dad, a Husband, and when things get too intense, I flee to Italy to refresh my soul. I’m into everything from modern art, tiki and pop surrealism to wine collecting to all things touching, and touched by, technology.
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